Happy anniversary! Celebrating a decade of thriving with cancer.

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Hi Darling,

Ten years ago, this week, I was given exactly ten years to live. Stage IV cancer, no cure, no treatment, no options. Thankfully my expiration date was inaccurate. Like many people diagnosed with cancer, my life drastically changed that day. A decade later I can honestly say that cancer changed my life for the brighter and better.

In this blog I’ve reflected on ten tips that helped me and can help you too (whether you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic poop pickle or not). You’ve heard me say many of these things before, but they bear repeating.

As I meditate on the impact that illness has had on my life, I realize I’m a better, more grateful woman today because of cancer. I was asleep at the wheel before cancer shook me awake. And though there’s still no cure (yup, rare diseases don’t get much attention), I continue to live harmoniously with cancer. Once every year and a half I get scanned (hmmm, I think I have one coming up this summer, I forget), otherwise I just live my life. It’s not always easy, but it is my life, and I love it. For me, cancer isn’t a death sentence, at least not today. My disease is the slow-moving-could-get-aggressive-one-day variety. It’s weird and unknown. Above all, cancer is a spiritual practice that teaches me about faith and resilience. You can learn these skills too. You don’t need cancer to wake you up like I did.

I hope some of these tips resonate with you. And remember, when the going gets tough, take a really deep breath and trust that you will know exactly what to do. You’re smart and your intuition is rock solid. You’ve got what it takes to live an incredible (pinch yourself) life. Don’t wait. OK?

1. Find the best MDs.

If I had listened to the first doctor, I wouldn’t be here today. Thankfully I was willing to travel and hunt for the best oncologist for my sarcoma. If you’re newly diagnosed (with any medical life lemon), I highly suggest you do the same. Your life is in their hands. Do they have impeccable skill, experience and access to the latest research? Are they tapped into a network of colleagues who can talk about your case? Your local hospital may not cut it.

It took second, third and fourth opinions, but today I have a great oncologist and a strong integrative team. They’re kind, compassionate and treat me like I matter. They’re also very different. My oncologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (a sarcoma specialist) understands all the current traditional treatment options for my disease. I still haven’t had any conventional treatment, but should my disease become aggressive, he’d be my first stop. My integrative MDs treat my whole body, not just the symptom. How do they do that? With dietary recommendations, targeted supplements, IV’s, stress management tips and regular tough love (they often bark at me for working too hard!).

How to find an Oncologist: Start by Googling the top 10 cancer hospitals in the U.S. Also, use the resources below to explore the best oncologist for your specific cancer.

2. Just juice it!

If you really want to turn your health around, start juicing today. As many of you know, daily green juice has been a consistent part of my life for about six years now. Though my disease continues to be stable, I’ve had other health challenges. Without a shadow of a doubt, my green juice practice has been the glue that’s not only held me together, it’s allowed me to thrive in spite of my obstacles.

Juices are hydrating, energizing, nourishing and medicinal (but they don’t have to taste like medicine!). And as for the old “I don’t have enough time” excuse, yes you do, and you’re worth it. So stop that nonsense! When you get good at juicing, it only takes about 20 minutes (especially if you prep your veggies ahead of time and rinse off your juicer right away). If you only have a blender, that’s fine, make smoothies. Blend, baby, blend. Cheers!

3. Eat more plants.

I’ll give cancer props for another minute (just one). The little “c” was the catalyst I needed to find a compassionate way of eating and living. In a nutshell, my food philosophy is as follows: Embrace gorgeous greens, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, grains, sea veggies, fruits and vegetables galore. Crowd out inflammatory, hormone-filled animal products (even when organic) by filling your plate with plant-strong whole foods. And while you’re at it, pull back on the processed white stuff, especially sugar (it feeds cancer).

If you’re not interested in going full tilt vegan, no worries! Make plants the main dish and animal products the side dish. Reduce your consumption, and do your best to avoid factory farm products. For heavenly plant-inspired recipes, check out my cookbook, Crazy Sexy Kitchen.

4. Beauty 911.

We all have our favorite go-to beauty products. Some are luxurious; others are tried and true drugstore scores. Did you know that the average person uses 9 personal care products per day containing about 126 chemical ingredients? Many of these chemicals have been linked to increased risk of cancer, infertility, birth defects, hormone disruption and the list of dangers goes on. Babies, children, teens, adults — we’re all exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis and there is still much we do not know about their long-term health effects.

Shame on the FDA for not reviewing or approving the majority of personal care products before they go to market. In addition, companies aren’t required to test their products on their own and are allowed to leave hazardous chemicals off their labels. It’s 2013. Why is this ok? Join me in making educated choices about the products we use. Your lashes and longevity will thank you. Use the Environmental Working Group’s tools and resources to get educated and lessen your exposure to toxins.

5. Take ten minutes to move.

I’m a writer, which means that a lot of my day consists of sitting in a chair and staring at a screen while (praying for inspiration) and clacking at the keyboard. Guess what’s happening in my body as I sit and type? Absolutely nothing. My posture slumps and my energy wanes. But studies have shown that even short bursts of exercise can have impressive results for your health — decreasing long-term health risks, boosting your immune system and improving your mood.

You don’t have to have a lot of time or fancy equipment to make a difference. But you do need to get out of that chair and shake booty for ten minutes (preferably a few times a day). Yoga, dance, martial arts, sex, whatever rings your bell! In our ever-busy lifestyle, everyone can find ten minutes — without fail.

6. Take care of your mind.

Before my diagnosis I didn’t give my mind a second thought. It was wild and scattered, full of anxiety and doubt. Post-diagnosis, I knew that the chaos in my mind would only harm my body. So I packed my bags and checked into a zen monastery in New Mexico. It was there that I learned about meditation and breathwork and since then, these basic practices have become my lifeline when I need them.

If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Learn how to cope sweet friend. There will always be dark days. Give yourself and your loved ones (because your mental health affects them too) an everlasting gift by learning how to calm your mind. In addition, you may need some professional support. It might be talk therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), animal-assisted therapy, group counseling, AA, art therapy, or a combination of approaches. Figure out what works for you, and don’t forget a good ole massage from time to time. We hold so many issues in our precious tissues.

7. Adopt a furry friend.

The biggest healers in my life have been my animal companions. As a child I visited the dairy farm across the street from my home on a daily basis and befriended the cows. From that point on, I’ve developed a visceral connection to all creatures, whether I’m at an animal sanctuary, watching a deer disappear into the woods, or hanging out at home with my rescue dog Lola. My cherished fur children have given me more joy and unconditional love than any human (and I have a really close family — no offense, Mom!).

Studies show that pets actually boost our immune system, help us live longer and aid with depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. They are wise, kind teachers if you’re willing to open your heart and tend to their needs. If you have space in your home, please consider adopting an animal in need. Every week we include animal adoptions in our newsletter. If you’re not on our mailing list, whatcha waiting for, zesty hot stuff!

8. Create a new tribe.

Releasing toxic people and embracing supportive, loving people is deeply healing. Are you walking on eggshells with a certain someone? Pretending to be someone you’re not for fear of rejection? It’s time to find out. The quickest way to identify who should stay in your life and who should get the boot is to just be yourself. Who cheers you on? Who boos and brings you down? The answers are clear and so are your choices.

As you rise and acknowledge your light, you’ll find that new, exciting, supportive people start moving your way. When I began walking my talk, I quickly connected with soulful biz-savvy women, innovators, change-makers, thought leaders, activists and other compassionate, holy beings. My entire life shifted toward that warm energy. Today my community is an infinite galaxy of inspiration. Not because I shrunk to meet the expectations of others, but because I grew to become the person I wanted to be. You can too. Actually, you must.

Get more tips like these for how to live a healthy & vibrant life straight to your inbox:

9. Unconditional acceptance.

Accepting where we are right now is the path of the mature spiritual warrior. It takes courage to embrace your current situation, to be present and loving towards yourself exactly as you are. Truthfully, why wouldn’t you accept yourself? You are your reality. You are your truth. Can you change? Absolutely! But even talking about change puts us in the future. And while there’s definitely a time for that, building a strong foundation on the now will allow you to consistently love and care for yourself. Stop for a minute. Give yourself props for the hard work it took to get where you are today. Bow to your resilience. Take in your good. If you’re hell bent on strategizing about all that could be better, then you must promise to give equal time to what’s amazing right now.

When I was first diagnosed, my burning goal was remission. Anything else seemed like colossal failure. And even worse — my fault. Ten years later, I’m a master at my own advice. I. Accept. Me. Cancer and all. Does that mean that I’ve given up on my health? Of course not! Acceptance is different from quitting. It means that no matter what happens, you won’t abandon yourself in your time of need. And here’s the the part that contributes to your overall well being: Acceptance allows you to rest, renew and replenish — rather than stress over what isn’t going your way. You are your own angel, treat yourself as such. Stand by your own side as you try new things and spread your wings. Life doesn’t start when “this, that or the other thing” is resolved. Life is now. Don’t wait it away.

10. Go for it.

Everyone has something special stirring inside. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to open a natural pet foods store. Maybe you’ve dreamed of volunteering for a political campaign or simply going to the Grand Canyon with your kids. I wanted to make a film and write some books. The odds were not in my favor — financially, physically or emotionally, but I did it anyway. And I’m pretty happy that I did.

Some leaps will seem small and others sweeping, but they all call us to have faith in ourselves. I found the love of my life after my diagnosis and though remission was my prerequisite, it wasn’t his. I left a career that was draining my life force and took a gamble on starting my own business. I moved out of the city and worked with my husband to rebuild a broken down farmette because we had a calling to create a sanctuary — a place to rescue animals, grow vegetables, write, live and give. With each of these steps, I just had to go for it. There are no safety nets. No guarantees. Sometimes we will all fall down, but now that I’ve taken the past decade to embrace these ten tips, I know that I’ll be okay. The risks are worth it because life is worth living. Living like we really mean it. If you haven’t already, I invite you to join me. Because you deserve love, health and true happiness. And it’s here for the taking.

You are freaking awesome and i am happy that you are strong, healthy and vibrant. Your work has changed and will continue to change the lives of many. You are a blessing and your life experience is highly appreciated. Many all your needs be met. May you be rewarded in abundance and in ways you can’t even fathom..

Kris, congratulations on turning lemons into lemonade. You are a strong woman for taking your health in your hands, making life affirming changes, enjoying every moment and making a difference in the lives of thousands.

I also have a story of illness changing my life for the better. 13 years ago I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a very common diagnosis, unlike yours but doctors are equally as clueless about it, can do nothing to help and call the condition incurable.

I was told I would be sick forever but I took my health into my hands and found a cure for the incurable. Now I am helping others heal their digestive issues.

Here’s to creating a world of wellness warriors (I am holding up a glass of green juice to toast with)

Hi Kris, I wish you continued health and happiness. I shall drink my juice in celebration of your anniversary, today 🙂 You were one of the people to inspire me to start juicing just over a month ago and although I have been vegetarian for many years and vegan for almost a year, I am now eating more healthily.

I love that you are an advocate for adopting rescue animals. I’m a rescue volunteer/photographer and all of our dogs are/have been rescues and they are a very much adored part of our family.

With the very best of wishes to you and your family, four-pawed ones included,

Happy Happy Anniversary!!
Wow, how happy this day must be and how far you have come and look at how many people you inspire and have given hope + practical tools!
You really took the dark side of life and turned it into a bright sparkle.
I bow for that and hope you have yet many years to come with lots of “appetite for life”!
Well done you & thank you for stepping into your light!
Many people need to see this process.
Light & love,
Janine from Groningen, the Netherlands

Thank you for the timeliness of this post Kris. With two acquaintances being diagnosed with forms of cancer in the last month, this was very apt for me to be reading and also have hope after you have thrived for 10 years with the big C.

Have also shared this post on my Facebook page. Thank you for everything you do xxx

Congratulations on a life well-lived!!! I remember watching you on Oprah! I was completely engaged. But it wasn’t your story that glued me but your spirit. Your energy was palpable even through a pre recorded blue screen. I was glued to this enigmatic young woman with this zeal for life. I was drawn. And thank God for years later I would find myself married and enduring my new husband’s TWO bouts if cancer…. Back to back. First resource I looked for was your segment DVR’d on my TV , at this point for years. I needed guidance but mostly hope that there are survivors out there. I made my husband watch your segment. I wanted him to decide to fight to be alive. We had a 6 month old and and soon-to-be 2 year old at his first diagnosis. Not living. Not an option. So he controlled his controllables and started juicing ala your segment. Now almost a year after the surgery to remove his second cancer, he is still juicing….not every day but 4-5 every week. Now it’s my turn to focus on my health. Your definition of acceptance is what I’ve been feeling this year. In my quest to keep my husband alive and raise two toddlers, I lost focus of my health, of my well-being all together. I have been in survivor mode not living mode. Your posting today cleared it up for me. This past October I was told that I might have leukemia. The irony was I was so busy making everyone else healthy that I lost sight of making me healthy. Thankfully, it was not leukemia but a sign that I need to redirect my life… And I am-slowly. So thank you, Ms. Karr, for waking me up to a new day and guiding me along without even knowing it! Your zeal and passion for living, not just being, is contagious! Thanks for sharing today! I’m getting up and moving!! Here’s to another 10!! Cheers (clink clink) with a green smoothie!

It’s been 5 years since I found out about you through my cousin who was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she AND I have been inspired by your journey! She was given only 4 months to live, and is also still ‘thriving against the odds’.
Thank you for taking your passion and sharing it, Kris!!!
xoxoxox
katrina

You are a wonderful inspiration. My 2 years is up on the 23rd Feb and like you I am well and happy. Initially I wanted to be totally Cancer free but am happy with my state of no evidence of disease! I have accepted myself and am now on a path of helping others to find their inner power when they are told that nothing they do or no-one can help them……bull! Thanks Kris!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sharing all of your amazing wisdom!!!!!! May you have MANY, MANY more anniversaries!!!! You make me feel like NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

I can only imagine how differently you feel now, looking back over the last 10 years rather than staring at those 10 years ahead of you. I’ve said it before but happy to say it again, your ability to take charge of your life and your health and turn it into such a vibrant, generous, and giving force – it’s truly inspiring. Wishing you decades of health and happiness ahead, Kris – all lived one beautiful day at a time. Thank you for all you do. xo

You’re part of MY team, Kris! You’ve helped me to make the plunge to a compassionate lifestyle in so many ways and I’m forever grateful for your courage and grace. Congratulations on this incredible anniversary. I know this is just the beginning for you. <3

Do you have a suggestion for a good meditation practice at home?
You have been a real inspiration to me and always look forward to your blogs. I am loving juicing, smoothies and cooking from your book.

Thanks, Kris for putting into words what has been in my heart for a long time. Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary! My cancer diagnosis came 15 years ago, and like you, if I’d listened to the first oncologist I saw, I’d have headed down a very depressing and unhealthy road with chemo. Instead, I chose to do a major review of EVERY part of my life, from emotions and relationships to diet and environment – pretty much everything you posted in your blog. It’s a journey, as you well know, and I’m grateful to still be learning great new stuff all the time (thanks to people like YOU!) that makes my life even richer and healthier. Here’s hoping we continue along this exciting road to great health together for many more years to come! Go, sister!!

Thank you Kris, this was very inspiring and emotional for me! Thank you for making me turn to myself. Very, very often I feel like Im the only one going through physical, emotional pain and uncertainties and it is hard to reach out when everyone is afraid to tell their stories. Thank you for your honesty, energy and kindness.
Much love and congratulations you thriver you! 🙂
m

Congratulations on your 10 years! I woke up this morning feeling angst that my remission may not be, well, “remissed”…but after being reminded of just how wonderful this life (yours, mine, all of ours) is, my negative thoughts are gone. Thank you for all that you do. You truly make a difference in many lives!

Congratulations Kris and Happy Anniversary! I thank you each and every day for sharing your beautiful mind and courageous spirit with the masses. You are changing people’s lives everyday, including me and my family’s. May you continue to have good health, boundless energy, and a spirit that never feels limits. Much love and cheers to lifetime of happiness and health!

Happy Anniversary Baby! You rock your illness well. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I have been following you (not stalking) since 2005. I found you when I started my health journey after a cancer wake up call. Now I am a Clinical Nutritionist and happy to say I am well and living my dream. I lead a Green Goddess Cleanse 2 times a year with awesome women learning a new lifestyle. The road was not easy and filled with past issues, but it is well worth the leap. Enough about me, You are awesome in every way! Can not thank you enough. One day I hope to meet you and give you a big hug. Until then a Virtually Hug will have to do.

My daughter sent me your book 2 years ago, and i have been working hard at changing my life because of you! Your book became my bible,(still is) . I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago with CLL , a chronic luekemia, and my disease has been stable for about a year and a half , all thanks to you! Happy Anniversary! You are my inspiration every day!!

WOW Kris – YOU ROCK. THANKS for all the inspiration. I will be making big celebration posters for my milestones from now on. I have 9 cats, 5 dogs all rescues, and 2 horses so lots of Tribe giving me unconditional love. What an amazing husband you have. Love

I needed to hear that…I just finished convential treatment. This has been a very loud wakeup call…i had been hitting the snooze button way too much!! Each and every day, even the snowy, rainy ones is a blessing. Your recent post resonated deeply with me and I thank you for that.

Hi Cheryl: Thank you so much for your response to Kris. I was particularly touched by your response since I, also, was diagnosed with Stage 4 uterine cancer this past November, ironically the same day my only child learned she was pregnant with her first child. I am still in a state of shock and try to maintain a positive attitude but sometimes find it difficult. I am so inspired by you to have out-lived your doctors’ “opinion”. I was also wondering if you would mind telling me what part of the country you live and who you are being treated by? I live in New Jersey and am being treated at U of Penn. So far I have had chemo with Carbo and Taxol. I am now undergoing 2 months of daily external radiation, to be followed by more chemo and internal radiation. I am sorry if I am being intrusive but I was inspired by your success. Thank you, Celia
P.S. Congrats! Congrats! Congrats to you Kris!!!

Thank you for being you Kris- you are my super hero, that sounds like big shoes to fill…but the magic is you are my superhero because you are you, authentic, open, honest and brimming with compassion. Happy Anniversary <3

What an amazing story, congratulations! Your journey provides a lot of positive inspiration. I remember reading a post on facebook saying ‘your life is your message to the world’. It’s so true, the best way to bring about positive change and to help people around you, is to be the best you can be and the change you want to see. By shaping yourself to be anything other than ‘you’ in order to ‘fit in’, stops your gift/message to the world being seen/heard. There’s no point shaping yourself to another, because everyone is here to bring their own message. x

Kris, you are an inspiration to everyone whose life you enter, whether it is in person on via the web. Happy anniversary. Thank you for all that you do and all that you have taught your fans! Keep thriving and keep juicing! xoxo

Thanks so much for sharing your work and inspiration. I’m working to pull myself out of a dark mental and physical place that has been affecting me and my loved ones for nearly 12 years. Your newsletter and blog has become part of my life affirming arsenal that’s helping me reclaim myself. Congratulations on your 10 years of triumphs big and small, and here’s to decades more!

Hello. Just want to share how happy I am to be having my 3rd anniversary of being healthy and free of rectal cancer as of April 2013. Everything that could go “right”, did, and I am here to share my success and eternal gratitude!

WOW Kris… How exquisite your every word is above. Hi. I am a reader from NY and have been following you since 2008, when I had a double mastectomy, following a breast cancer diagnosis. I am also a therapist and it was one of my long time clients that recommended your Crazy Sexy Cancer blog.

Tomorrow is my father’s 80thbirthday and it has been 10 years since he died. He did not die of cancer. But it is an anniversary week. On Jan.29 it was 5 years for me since my beautiful ‘girls’ came to me. I always say I am 49, but my ‘girls’ are a mere 5 years old.

As a result of my experience, I have a passion to educate surgeons and medical professional on how to be empathic and more human when they are presenting all the medical information. I want people to feel respected but more than that, understood, and not rushed to make life changing decisions, at the speed doctors were penciling me in for surgeries that were going to take a year of my life.

Reading your article today, I got chills and smiled through it for you. You are such an inspiration and you have a light that surrounds you that is so contagious. (e or o?)
I do EFT, attend OA for the past 20 years, meditate and am a part of so many spiritual groups, some of them self created.

What you wrote about not being smaller but just being yourself to weed out the ones that will not be able to accept the grandest version of YOU, and to go out there and LIVE LIVE LIVE…Thank you so much for speaking the words I hold in my heart, but do not always have the courage to live.

Sending you light, lots of healing always and wishing you 10 times what you have given all of us…lucky enough to have found you. You embody passion for living, especially when you are scared, and sharing with us all of your humanness. Happy Anniversary!!
To a thousand more…